Smaller tractor options

[JasonW]

Kinda looking around for a smaller tractor for light tasks around the house and would like some ideas of which models would be a good option.
Really just needing something with a 3pt and PTO. No preference on Gear or hydro but would prefer a 8x8 transmission over a 8x2. Also one with an independent or live PTO(two stage clutch). Not a transmission driven PTO. Stumbled across a L275 that I’m going to check out in the next few days but says it hasn’t ran in a while.
Any other suggestions on models similar?

 

[Kennyd4110]

HP range?
Need a loader?

 

[JasonW]

No loader for this one. Only PTO attachments I would run on it would be a spreader and a chipper so really no idea the HP requirement needed.

 

[bobnic]

A BX can run a spreader and a chipper (depending on how big diameter you want to chip). It is also pretty small and maneuverable for working around the house and in tighter quarters.

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

No loader for this one. Only PTO attachments I would run on it would be a spreader and a chipper so really no idea the HP requirement needed.

IMO 26ish hp would be a good start, unless you want something smaller.

if no need a Mid pto, I would be looking for a standard L. They are are sort the right balance of stance and weight like a Ford 8n for small tasks, still pretty compact, enough weight to get traction, and great value/dollar.

however I believe a BX or B would also run a spreader and rear pto just fine. They come in 26hp as well.

it’s not my money or anything, but If have any landscaping chores I think deeply consider loader…sure beats a shovel and wheel barrow. YMMV.

 

[JasonW]

No need for a mid PTO. The chipper I have is rated for 6” but will probably never chip that large for firewood use.
I have a M and MX both with loaders so that’s covered.
It’s easy to dive down the rabbit hole looking for a 20-25HP B series with a 3 range HST then the price gets awful close to a L2501.

 

[Russell King]

The only problem with the old L275 is some parts are obsolete. But you can normally get what is needed from the dealer or from a salvage yard. They can crack the head if they run hot. But that size has a water pump so harder to overheat.

I have the smaller L185F that I love. Super easy to work on and nothing every really breaks on it.

The PTO HP may be a bit low for a 6 inch chipper but you should be able to chip smaller limbs for sure. Just remember that that old tractor won’t be producing 100% of the rated HP any longer.

There is no emissions on that and only one safety switch so it is truly an old school mechanical tractor that will run with the key in the OFF position (but the alternator won’t be working!).

Don’t be tempted to try to start it with starting fluid! That can cause all kind of trouble.

 

[McMXi]

I have to agree re a BX model even though they have a mid PTO. They're very capable little machines, and if I did more work around the house I would have kept mine.

The manager of the local Kubota store sold it to me when it was new in 2016 and then bought it from me to use at his cabin and new house. He'll send me photos of it doing various jobs, and I think he knew exactly what he was doing when he talked me into buying it all those years ago.

I regularly check the used inventory at the dealer in Sheridan, WY where I bought my M6060. They just got in a '21 BX2680 with 202 hours on it. Asking price is $15,500 as a point of reference. Not sure what your budget is.

 

[NCL4701]

I don’t have much to add, but notice you want this smaller tractor to operate a chipper with 6” capacity. Understand you don’t expect it to provide the full 6” capacity, so that’s not the potential issue. The issue could be the weight of that size chipper. My chipper is 6” capacity. It weighs 710lb according to the OM. I’m not quite sure if that includes the 5 gallons of hydraulic fluid it requires or not. A good bit of that weight is well rear of the lift arms. Don’t know what your chipper weighs, but it’s something to consider.

I don’t have a BX. Hard to imagine it being able to handle a 710lb+ implement on the three point. I’m pretty confident our old 9N wouldn’t have gotten it off the ground. If it did, brake steering on flat ground would be in order. Even with a larger frame such as a B, without a loader you may need front weights for heavy loads on the 3 point depending on how close to full capacity they are and topography of where you’re traveling. If you need front weights, you’ll need something that provides means to attach weights.

Point being, don’t get so focused on HP you overlook frame size and 3 point capacity being adequate for whatever implements you plan to use with it.

 

[McMXi]

I don’t have a BX. Hard to imagine it being able to handle a 710lb+ implement on the three point.

BX is close to 700lb lift capacity 24" behind the lift pins. Not sure if that'd be enough to lift the mystery chipper though.

 

[NCL4701]

BX is close to 700lb lift capacity 24" behind the lift pins. Not sure if that'd be enough to lift the mystery chipper though.

Yeah, 680lb per Kubota. Wouldn’t get a WC68 off the ground. Maybe would lift OPs chipper.

Just something to consider…

 

[miker2702]

No need for a mid PTO. The chipper I have is rated for 6” but will probably never chip that large for firewood use.
I have a M and MX both with loaders so that’s covered.
It’s easy to dive down the rabbit hole looking for a 20-25HP B series with a 3 range HST then the price gets awful close to a L2501.

ive went from a bx to a b now a l ...the one thing that changes each time going up in size is the damage to the yard obviously....from b to l has been severe to this for me. any kind of softground it digs in pretty good.

 

[JasonW]

Chipper is a Wallenstein BX62, some places show it should be around 700lbs. Then a 3pt spreader that’s 150-200lbs with a 500lb capacity

 

[SDT]

Chipper is a Wallenstein BX62, some places show it should be around 700lbs. Then a 3pt spreader that’s 150-200lbs with a 500lb capacity

You need something larger than a BX.

I would look for a good Ford 860/861. Even a 660/661 would work in your case and use less gasoline but they are more difficult to find. I would not recommend the diesel versions of either 861 or 661 for multiple reasons.

Another alternative would be a MF 135 or (preferably) later derivitive. Most of these had the wonderful Perkins 152 CI engine so look for one of these. Stay away from the Continental 4 cylinder gasoline version.

You would have much more capability and save lots of money.

 

[JasonW]

MF135 would be too heavy than what I’m looking for. Not even looking at gas models.

Still leaning towards an older B or older L. Going through Tractor Data at the various B models throughout the years when I get time. The specs show the L275 3pt can lift 1,300 lbs. It looks to be similar in size and power as a L2501.

 

[Shawn T. W]

Curious why you don't want to use the chipper on your current MX?

Is it too big to get around where you're chipping? Soft ground?

I too am looking for a non loader/mower little tractor ... An older B7500 or B2100 would do the trick for me to run my 48" rototiller and 60" land plane ... I prefer an HST though ...

 

[GrumpyFarmer]

I never put a chipper on my BX, but I have put a WC68 (900ish lbs) and it’s a handful for my B. B will run it fine. To move it though need the loader on (I suspect if enough front ballast maybe could do without loader.). I bought the WC68 knowing eventually I would use on my MX…B runs it fine but limits mobility.

I also have hilly property (maybe not applicable for you - only you know your terrain) and it will not handle much grade even with the loader on. I have to be very mindful of not only direction traveling, also where I can turn, and the departure angle.

I have no idea what the size and weight of your Wally is but I would assume it’s similar. I would not consider to put my WC68 on a BX. I am not sure a BX could lift it high enough to travel…might work really well as wheelie bar to prevent flipping over backwards though (IMO something size of a Ford 8N ish (standard L size) would be a nice size around a house and buildings for homeowner landscaping and small hobby farm tasks)

not sure that helps but I would be cautious if not sure it will fit, lift(height and weight of you implements), and your terrain.

 

[Shawn T. W]

Most of the smaller tractor's I've seen listed are 2x3 gear transmissions (2 range, 3 gears) ... Not likely to find a 8x8 until you get up past "little" ...

I know the Kubota Grand L's had the option of a Glide Shift transmission, that's like a "power shift w/reverser" like I think you're talking about, but I believe it's a 12 speed ...

My Grand L 5030 is about the same size as a MX5000 ...

 

[JasonW]

Well I brought home the L275, the seller threw out a price I couldn’t turn down.

It definitely needs work, says it hasn’t ran in probably a decade. It might need clutch work as the pedal goes down to the stop and doesn’t return past the PTO stage. It has an 8x8 transmission although it’s labeled as 8 forward and 7 reverse.

If I decide that size is a good weight/hp I might sell it and search for a HST B series with a loader.

 

[Shawn T. W]

So is this the size you were looking for?

Or is it just a project to flip to finance a smaller tractor ...